Ma Cushla

I have always wondered how far is Bethlehem from Nazareth? At a guess, its the same distance from Acocks Green to Winchester Cathedral, give or take a mile, which is 90 miles, 180 there and back. On that note I decided to try and walk 180 miles, starting on the 7th of November and complete it by Christmas Day. Only one mile left to go!

Those early morning and evening walks have given me time to meditate upon this years Christmas Blog. 2020 being ‘The Journey to Bethlehem’ and 2021 ‘Footprints in the Snow!’. This year my thoughts focus on a creature often forgotten in the Christmas Story, although many Christmas Cards and Children books print a cartoon character. My involvement with Donkeys at many a Christmas Nativity, have given rise to a deeper affection for one of God’s humblest creatures, and to appreciate the long Journey to Bethlehem and our Journey.

It was many years ago, as a child on Holiday at home in Ireland. We were visiting the ‘Magic Hill’ in Jenkinstown, Dundalk. For those of you that have never heard of such place, a car put in to neutral will roll backwards up the hill. My Father told me a mystery that a young child might learn in catechism, but one just as magical. There was a donkey behind a farmers gate, looking for attention. Dad gave me an apple to feed the animal. As my Father lifted me up to stand on the top rung of the gate, there was what looked like a painted strip running from head to tail and one across its torso! Did somebody paint him? or what made him so different from horses or ponies. Dad explained that all donkeys have similar markings because they are special, because Our Lady rode a Donkey to Bethlehem at Christmas and Jesus rode another in to Jerusalem at Easter on Palm Sunday. I asked why not a horse. Dad ‘Sure it’s only rich men that can afford a horse, and because, Our lord was crucified for us, they all have a Cross on their back.’ For a Child this is a mind blowing mystery to understand and the magic of Christmas I thought was getting presents. I’m touched by the fact the humble Donkey signifies the coming of the Peaceful King, not a conquerer.

Donkeys were the lowest form of of affordable transport, often abused, underfed and had a short lifespan in biblical times. Part of the mystery is how on earth did this Christmas Donkey make the 90 miles, then another 430 miles to Eygpt, with such an important burden and the future of man/woman kind at stake. what if?

This beautiful story of humility, reveals all things are possible with God. To see the Cross on a Donkeys back, brings great Joy in the Knowledge that God is with us every step of the way! Especially when we struggle. He left his mark on such a wonderful creature for ever! It’s at this time of year that we struggle to cope with the changes in our lives, but with Service and Love we will make it in Gods own time. If a donkey can go the 610 miles against all odds then we must surely try! Don’t give up hope because Love is is always round the the corner! As Stephen & Philip Painter Family Funeral Directors would say! ‘It’s the humblest of gestures that matter the most’! Absolutely!.

I’m going to let you in to a little secret, I have adopted a Donkey in Killkenny where My Grandad came from, called ‘Joesie’ who was mistreated, and another called ‘Jimmy’ in Devon, but this is a story for another blog.

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Finally I remember Donkey rides in Blackpool as a child! I was So frightened I’d fall off! But then again I was the Lone Ranger for just a while! Cling on don’t let go. To sit on the Peaceful Kings Donkey and make it thus far is a conversation I’d gladly share this Christmas over a hot punch! In the meantime I shall ride in to wind on my Scooter!

Where ever you are on your Journey to Bethlehem, may you all have a wonderful Christmas…

Love

Macushla

Come let us adore him…